The IDF struck a number of Hezbollah launchers and military sites in central and southern Lebanon on Saturday afternoon, the military announced, later confirming the deaths of two of the terror group's operatives.
"The IDF struck several Hezbollah launchers that were recently identified and placed in military sites in southern Lebanon," the military stated. "In an additional strike in the Bekaa area, the IDF struck two Hezbollah military sites in which activity of terrorists was identified, including weapons storage facilities and additional military structures."
The IDF continued, noting that the Hezbollah military assets and activities were in violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon and that the military would continue to act to eliminate threats to the country.
The announcement follows weeks of IDF strikes on Hezbollah and Hamas terrorist infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
Two Hezbollah terrorists confirmed killed in southern Lebanon
In a later statement, the army confirmed that its strikes in southern Lebanon had killed two terrorists.
One of the terrorists, Kamel Reza Karnabsh, had been involved in Hezbollah's efforts to reestablish itself in the Mayfadoun area. The other terrorist, whom the IDF did not name, was a Hezbollah representative in the Houla area.
According to the IDF, "he was responsible for communication between the terror organization and the residents of the area regarding financial and military subjects. Additionally, the terrorist operated to seize private assets for terror use."
The Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese outlet Al Mayadeen reported that Israel had struck 16 times across several areas, including in central Lebanon's Bekaa Valley.
Earlier, the Upper Galilee Regional Council and the Kiryat Shmona Spokesperson informed the public that the military had begun conducting a wave of strikes on targets in southern Lebanon and, as a result, residents of northern Israel may hear the sounds of explosions from across the border.
'Explosive sounds may be heard' from southern Lebanon, the northern council warns
"At this time, the IDF has begun a wave of attacks in the southern Lebanon area. Explosive sounds may be heard," the Upper Galilee Regional Council's statement noted.
The governmental bodies noted that, as of this time, no change has been made to the situation assessment, and civilians have not been given any special instructions.
Later, Uri Kellner, the head of the Golan Regional Council, called the threat posed by Hezbollah "no longer acceptable" and called on the government to more firmly secure the border by securing a buffer zone akin to the one established in Syria.
"The agreement with Lebanon has failed. The IDF is forced to attack, time after time, in southern Lebanon in order to remove threats from us, the residents of the North, and this reality cannot continue," Kellner stated. "The IDF must act with all its might and establish a buffer zone in southern Lebanon, as was done on the Syrian border and at the foot of Mount Hermon, and maintain it."